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Miami Heat: 3 goals for James Johnson in 2018-19

By Simon Smith

MIAMI, FL - APRIL 21: James Johnson #16 of the Miami Heat handles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 21, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - APRIL 21: James Johnson #16 of the Miami Heat handles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 21, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1. Pair up with Kelly Olynyk as frequently as possible

Given the increasing prevalence of small ball throughout the league, the pairing of Johnson with the highly versatile Olynyk seems a natural fit. As far as the numbers go, this was certainly proven to be the case last season.

While they played a total of just 622 minutes together over the course of the regular season, the impact was profound, particularly when you compare Johnson’s performance alongside the other centers on the Heat roster.

Johnson with Hassan Whiteside

  • Whiteside on court: 43.8 FG%; 19.3 3P%; -3.0 net rating
  • Whiteside off court: 53.7 FG%; 35.9 3P%; +2.3 net rating

Johnson with Bam Adebayo

  • Adebayo on court: 48.4 FG%; 28.3 3P%; -4.0 net rating
  • Adebayo off court: 51.0 FG%; 31.8 3P%; +2.1 net rating

Johnson with Olynyk

  • Olynyk on court: 56.0 FG%; 42.9 3P%; +9.5 net rating
  • Olynyk off court: 47.7 FG%; 24.6 3P%; +3.7 net rating

https://twitter.com/MiamiHEAT/status/976096020269383680

The difference in Johnson’s performance when paired with either Whiteside or Olynyk was quite overwhelming. Considering Johnson’s ability to act as a point forward, and Whiteside’s natural tendency to clog the lane, it’s not surprising that Johnson’s output was significantly reduced with the Heat’s starting center on the floor.

In contrast, the versatility of Olynyk to face the basket and stretch out beyond the 3-point line naturally provides Johnson with the freedom to operate in a host of different ways.

For the season, the two-man lineup of Johnson and Olynyk recorded a +9.5 net rating, the highest recording for a pair of Heat teammates who shared the court for at least 600 minutes. Furthermore, this partnership flourished as the season progressed, posting an incredible +22.4 net rating from Dec. 20, once Olynyk had settled and become more familiar with the Heat system.

Ranking all 30 starting NBA power forwards for 2018-19. dark. Next

So while it’s hard to forecast just how much time Johnson gets to spend with Olynyk on the court this season, the effectiveness of this pairing should ensure that head coach Erik Spoelstra makes it a priority to get these two on the court together as much as possible.

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